Patient provides opportunities in continuing education in the health professions

Patient experience leads to increased staff opportunities 

When Diana Durham, PhD, relocated to Kentucky from California to start her next adventures, she didn’t anticipate the move would also coincide with a diagnosis that would change the course of her life. After moving to Louisville, Diana began seeing Baptist Health Louisville internist Michael W. Dee, MD, and only months later, during a trip to Paris, she found out that what was previously considered dense breast tissue was actually a tumor. 

“When Dr. Dee called me, he already had a plan of treatment in mind,” she said. “Even still, he ensured that I was included in every decision being made. It was clear to me each time I entered the facility I was a priority, and that every member of the medical, surgical, and after-care team was invested in helping me get well and stay that way.”

After a lumpectomy procedure at Baptist Health Louisville left Diana with clear margins, she was “cancer-free.” Nonetheless, with strong encouragement from her surgeon, Allison R. Hatmaker, MD, Diana consulted with Crystal H. McMahan, MD, radiation oncologist. “I did not want to undergo additional treatments, but after being given the tools and resources to better understand what the radiation therapy course of treatment could mean for total healing, I knew it was the best step forward. After 15 sessions over the course of four weeks, the radiation therapy team and Dr. McMahan were able to help me significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.” 

Diana has a passion for education that has sustained her throughout her life and career. 

She has spent over 30 years working in continuing education in the health professions, focused on patient-centered care and the healthcare team. Diana continues to be a leader and now consultant to some of the most prominent university schools of medicine in the U.S. and a previous leader at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

“When working in continuing education and continuing medical education at the Veterans Healthcare System nationally, we had a mantra that focused on ‘patient-centered care,’ and when I experienced this in a tangible way tied to my personal health, I knew that I wanted to find a way to get involved and support those who helped me regain control of my life.” 

During her course of treatment, Diana began having conversations with her radiation therapists about the type of education they needed to have and the licensures they were required to obtain and renew. “It was during these conversations that I knew exactly how I wanted to give back. I have earmarked a donation specifically for continued education opportunities for Baptist Health Louisville radiation therapists. This team was more than a professional team, they were my cheer squad, and this was a way to express gratitude that closely aligned with my values.” 

Diana believes that healthcare is essential, and at some point, something everyone will have a need to use. She credits her team of trustworthy care providers for not only safeguarding her health but allowing her to still be here to watch her daughter, Andrea, graduate with a master’s degree in social work. 

“I am cancer-free, and I am doing everything I can to stay that way, and that is supported by Baptist Health,” she said. “The care I received has changed and truly saved my life. I am back to doing tai chi, yoga, consulting with my CE and CME clients, scheduling trips around the world, and being able to spend time with my loved ones, and that is because Baptist Health gave me the most valuable gift I have ever been given: my health.”